Cabinet to consider primary school organisation

A report proposing the closure of 22 primary schools and the amalgamation of 16 schools, with expansion and investment in many others, will be considered by Shropshire County Council’s cabinet on Wednesday 30 January.

The report follows intense consultation with school headteachers, governors and partners. The proposed closures and amalgamations are in response to dramatically falling pupil numbers in Shropshire, and councillors say the new network of primary schools will secure the future of high quality education across the county.

If councillors agree to consult on the proposals when they meet on January 30, any schools recommended for change will go through a full 11 stage public consultation process. A consultation document will be distributed for each school, outlining the reasons for the proposals. Public meetings will be held for each school, as well as meetings between education officers and school staff.

Other key partners, including district and parish councils, diocesan authorities, neighbouring county and unitary authorities will be consulted by letter. Parents and members of the public are also welcome to write to the county council with their views, comments and suggestions.

Following the consultation process, a further report outlining the responses will be presented to cabinet on April 29.

Councillor Ann Hartley, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “This report is one of the most difficult I have had to present to my fellow cabinet members. Nobody wants to see a school close, but the reorganisation of primary schools in Shropshire must take place to address the critical drop in pupil numbers.

“At the moment there are 3,250 surplus places and that figure is expected to rise to 5,450 by 2012. If we do not act now, the standard of education would ultimately fall as funding would be used to supplement the empty places. I would like to emphasise the schools on the list are being put forward for consultation and no decisions have been made at this stage."

23 January 2008